Chelsea's John Mikel Obi is on a revenge mission at unhappy stomping ground Old Trafford

02 April 2010 11:24

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Obi one: John Mikel is enjoying his best season at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi insists the Blues must take revenge on Manchester United for two heavy defeats at Old Trafford as the two sides prepare to clash in the game of the season on Saturday.

Chelsea are just one point behind United at the top of the Barclays Premier League but they have suffered some embarrassingly one-sided defeats at Old Trafford in the past two seasons - beaten 3-0 and 2-0 on their last two league visits to the champions.

But Chelsea, who have smashed 12 goals in their last two games against Portsmouth and Aston Villa, go into the top-of-the-table clash full of confidence.

Their confidence is in stark contrast to United, who lost the first leg of the ampions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night and who will be without top scorer Wayne Rooney for up to a month because of minor ankleligament damage.

Mikel is adamant Chelsea can secure their first win at Manchester United since 2005 and heap more misery on United's bid for a league and European double.

'It's about time we went up there and won again because we can do it.' said Mikel. 'We can go there, play good football and win the game.

'It depends on how we come out to play and fight because it's going to be really difficult but we're ready for it. Hopefully this time it will go our way.

'We have made it clear that we need to win every match and every game we play is a big one but because of where we are in the league, it looks like we're going to have to win it.

'We have got a very difficult schedule for the rest of the season and it has come to the stage where every point is very important but we have to think about Saturday for now.'

Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti admits that Rooney's absence could allow his side to seize the title initiative from United.

The United striker has scored 35 goals in all competitions, 26 of them in the Barclays Premier League, and his absence at Old Trafford has already given Chelsea a massive incentive.

'Everyone knows how Wayne Rooney is important for this team, he is a fantastic player,' said Ancelotti. 'He has had a fantastic season but his injury could be an advantage for us.

'He is one of the best in the world right now. He is very professional and his image is very good for football. I like this kind of player. I was sorry for him. But I think without Rooney, for us, it is better.

'We want to play our football and we want to keep control of the game but it will be difficult. Man Utd want to do the same, they play at home and they will want to keep control of the game. This is the fight.

Without Roo: Wayne Rooney will miss the crunch clash with Manchester United

'Maybe sometimes a team can give more 100 per cent when an important player is out. We have to pay attention to this.

'Saturday is a very important game because we play a fantastic team who are top of the league now but I have always said the title will be decided at the end of the season.

'We want to do our best. The destiny after the game will be with the winners, but nothing will be decided.

'If we are able to win, it is better for us. A draw is not a bad result because there are a lot of games and everyone of them is very important.

'But it is very difficult to win at Old Trafford. It is a fantastic stadium for me also, not only for Sir Alex. I won the Champions League there in 2003 and that is the best memory for me in my career.'

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